Emergency Planning

Make Sure You Can Be Reached During an Emergency

Whether it is a true emergency or not, situations occur when your child’s care provider must reach you. Help her not waste time tracking you down by keeping your contact information current. If you have recently changed your phone number or email address, update your information with your child care provider as soon as possible.

Most organized child care programs request that you fill out and update registration and contact information once a year. This is a great time to review your contact information as well as the contact information you provide for emergency situations.

Don’t forget: communication travels both ways. Be sure to check that the information you have for your child care program is correct and working so you can reach them when needed.

BIRTH TO 1

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• Ask your provider for a written copy of the child care program’s emergency plans.
• In the case of a personal emergency, communicate with your child’s care provider as early as possible to advise her of the situation.
• Have at least one special provider to use as your point of contact.

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AGE 1 TO 2

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• List multiple ways for your child care provider to reach you in case of an emergency. Provide your mobile number, work number, and email address.
• Have you provided secondary contacts in case you can not be reached during emergencies? Provide multiple ways to contact your secondary contacts as well.
• Does your provider have a newsletter or bulletin board to communicate updates? If so, be sure you are aware of any changes and updates.

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AGE 2 TO 3

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• Whenever your contact information changes, be sure to provide your child’s care giver with the new information as soon as possible.
• Keep your provider updated with news they need to know about your child. Your child's like and dislikes, allergies, and food preferences are important.
• Teach your child your phone number. Help them remember it using a song.

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AGE 3 TO 4

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• Make sure that you label your child’s coats, backpacks and other items with her name and your phone number.
• Do you have multiple contact numbers stored so you can reach your child care provider if you are having an emergency?
• Double check with your provider to ensure they have your correct contact information on file.

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AGE 4 TO 5

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• Does your child know or have access to your contact information as well as to your spouse’s or another guardian’s information?
• Ask your child if his provider has emergency drills at school and what happens during a drill.
• Talk with your child about what to do during an emergency. Tell them to follow his provider’s instructions.

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Car Seat Safety

Car Seats Keep Your Child Safe

The best way to ensure your child’s safety when traveling is to have your child in a car seat that is safely installed and correct for her age. It is the most effective device in preventing serious injury or death in a vehicle crash.

While car seats look simple to install, more than 75% of are found to be installed incorrectly when checked. Be sure to read all of the instructions that come with your seat and that you are using the appropriate car seat for the age and size of your child. Additionally, educate yourself about car seat safety laws where you live and travel.

BIRTH TO 1

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• Tighten harnesses and straps of the car seat until your hand is touching your child to ensure there is no slack in the straps.
• Always consult your car seat and vehicle owner's manuals before installing an infant car seat. Register your car seat with the manufacturer so that you are notified in case of recalls.
• Have questions about your car seat? Contact your local fire department and have them ensure your seat is installed properly.
• Are you new to driving around with a baby? Leave important items like your purse, cell phone or wallet in the backseat to remind yourself you are not alone.

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AGE 1 TO 2

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• Is your child within the height range for their car seat? What is the weight limit on your car seat? Ensure you are within the correct range for their car seat.
• The best car seat is the one you can use correctly every time. Take time to read the owner’s manual.
• Does your child care program provide transportation to or from school? Does the provider use a car seat for your child? If so, who installs it?
• Keep rear-facing car seats turned towards the rear until your child no longer fits in this position.

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AGE 2 TO 3

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• When is your child ready for a forward-facing car seat? That depends on their growth. Read the manual and your state’s car seat safety laws to ensure they are safe.
• A properly installed car seat should not move more than one inch in any direction.
• Keep a stuffed animal in your child's car seat when he is out of the car. When your child is riding with you, place the visual reminder in the front with you.
• Be sure to check out car seat laws and suggestions to make sure your child is in the car seat that is right for her.

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AGE 3 TO 4

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• Chest clips are designed to be on your child's chest, not their stomach. In a collision the clip can cause internal bleeding if it is positioned on their abdominal region. Ensure the clip is on their chest.
• Car seats have expiration dates. Be sure your car seat has never been in a car accident and that it is in good condition.
• If someone else is driving your child or your routine is different one day, call your provider to ensure that he arrived at the destination safely.
• Never leave your child alone in the car and teach them not to play in or around vehicles.

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AGE 4 TO 5

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• When purchasing a new car seat, see if you can try it out in your vehicle before buying. This will ensure it fits your vehicle and your child.
• Ensure your child is always in the back seat and never in front of an air bag.
• Be sure to read your car seat’s instruction manual and register on the company’s website in case of recalls or safety notices.
• Be a good role model and always wear your seat belt. Tell your child to remind you to buckle up and make sure they are buckled in.

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Need more information?

• Georgia Child Car Seat Information
• North Carolina Car Seat Information
• Safe Seats for Kids from AAA
• Safecar.gov

Early Literacy Development

Support Your Child's Early Literacy Development at Home

A big misconception is that early literacy means early reading instruction. That is not the case but it does refer to what children know about reading and writing before they actually do either one. For instance, learning their ABCs is only one of the pre-reading skills that children need to help them learn to read and write. The best way to support your child’s early literacy development at home is to introduce them to as many words as possible beginning at birth! You can achieve this by talking, reading, singing, writing and playing with your child every day.

Mastering the six skills learned in early literacy (below) will help children successfully learn to read:

Print Awareness: learning to use and love books. Begin reading to your child when he is a baby and don’t stop; let him play with books as an infant (even if it means that some pages might get torn or chewed on); recite nursery rhymes; let him use a book to tell you a story.

Vocabulary: learning new words and understanding their meaning. Speak the language you know best to your child; point out words and their meaning as you explore the world around your child; point to words on the page as you read.

Narrative Skills: being able to understand and tell stories and describe events. Talk to your child as you go about your day, describing what you are doing; ask him questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer; play imaginative games and make up stories.

Phonological Awareness: being able to hear sounds in words. Read animal sound books as well as rhyming and song books; listen to music together, and sing; play rhyming games, even as they get older.

Letter Knowledge: recognizing that the letters are different from each other and have different names and sounds. Teach your child her shapes (triangles, squares, circles, etc.) as it will be crucial for learning her letters; read and reread colorful board books; make letters using play-dough, chalk, paint and even sticks while outside; go on a letter scavenger hunt when on a walk or driving in the car.

Print Awareness: understanding that print is everywhere and has meaning. Encourage your baby to play with books and turn pages; read books that have a few simple words in large, clear fonts; make books together from a story your child has made up.

BIRTH TO 1

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• Sing nursery rhymes while using hand motions.
• Read books with lots of simple words and repetition.
• If your baby is interested and having fun then she is learning! Keep making facial expressions when you’re talking to her.
• Put words to the sounds your baby is making. For example: "I think you want to tell me about the doggy you hear outside."
• Make reading part of your routine. Purchase plastic books for reading time in the bath.

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AGE 1 TO 2

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• Encourage your child to join in with reading by repeating lines of the stories.
• Read stories, magazines, newspapers, signs, and recipes together.
• At this stage, children love singing the alphabet and looking at colorful books with lots of pictures.
• Purchase magnetic letters for the fridge and make one the “Letter of the Day.”
• Read books with pop-up art, colorful pictures, fun textures, and that make sounds.

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AGE 2 TO 3

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• Whenever you are looking at words together, ask your child to point out a specific letter such as “A” on the page when she sees it.
• When reading a book with animals, make animal noises together.
• Ask your child care provider to suggest diverse and age-appropriate children's books, poetry, and music for you to enjoy at home.
• Create a special reading place in your home, with your child's favorite books within reach.
• Use a checklist, like from www.prekinders.com, for letter sounds and sight words.

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AGE 3 TO 4

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• During clean-up time, call out opposites as you clean. We are cleaning high/low, fast/slow, and soft toys/hard toys.
• Towards the end of each page when the story is becoming familiar, ask "what do you think will happen next?"
• Ask your child care provider or a librarian to suggest a book in which you can pair with a family experience such as: going fishing, tasting sushi, or going on a road trip.
• Play a letter game that helps your child match sounds with letters. For instance, ask your child, "what words begin with the letter A?"
• After reading a story discuss the beginning, middle, and the end. Ask your child what they liked and disliked about it.

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AGE 4 TO 5

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• When reading a rhyming book together, leave off the last rhyme. See if your child can guess what is coming next.
• To better understand stories, children need to know the meaning of words. Keep exploring opposites and talking about the unfamiliar words in the story.
• Encourage your child to read a story to their favorite stuffed animals or dolls.
• Purchase some sidewalk chalk and write sight words in the driveway.
• Have your little one decorate a popsicle stick. Use it to point to the words as you read aloud.

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Need more information?

• NAEYC Everyday Steps to Reading and Writing
• Scholastic Parent Resources: Language and Literacy Development for 3 – 5 Year Olds
• Reading Rockets Family Literacy Tips Edutopia: Parent Involvement in Early Literacy

Celebrate Georgia Child Care Providers

Celebrate Your Child Care Provider This Month!

It’s Child Care Provider Appreciation Month! Hopefully, you let your child care program know how much you value them on a regular basis. But this month, we encourage you to take a little extra care of the people who take care of your family and let them know how much you appreciate them. Feel free to lavish love, cards and support on your child’s provider. Need ideas on how you can make this month special? See below!

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• Have your child draw a picture of her child care teacher, and caption it with what your child loves best about the teacher.
• Take your caregiver some fresh picked flowers from your yard.
• During drop-off or pick-up, tell her how much you appreciate her care and love of your child.
• Find out what her favorite morning drink is and surprise her with it when you drop-off your child.
• Purchase some new books for the classroom and dedicate them to your child’s teacher as an appreciation gift.
• Organize with other parents to provide a homemade meal she can take home with her after a long day at work.
• Send a note to other parents in your child’s child care program letting them know it’s Child Care Provider Appreciation Month, and encourage them to share their love.

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See below for other tips to show your appreciation to your child care provider all year long.

BIRTH TO 1

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• Praise your child care provider! A hand written thank you note goes a long way.
• Keep an open mind and listen carefully to your child care provider when she wants to discuss issues or concerns.
• Communicate with you child care provider as early as possible if you are going to be late for pick-up.
• Remember that your childcare providers are human. Always greet them with a smile.

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AGE 1 TO 2

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• Offer to help. Ask about volunteer opportunities or items needed in the classroom.
• Build trust and respect with your provider by discussing any concerns you have directly with them first.
• Get to know your child’s teacher better. Ask how her weekend was, learn her hobbies and about her family.
• Turn some of your child's artwork into a handwritten thank you note for your provider.

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AGE 2 TO 3

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• Establish preferred methods of communication with your childcare provider. Remember, arrivals and departures are usually too busy for long discussions.
• Share with your provider the positive stories and comments that your child tells you about her day.
• Don't be a stranger. Ask how you can volunteer during provider hours or help after hours.
• Smile and thank your child care professionals for the work they provide.

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AGE 3 TO 4

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• Build a great relationship with your child care provider. This will come in handy when you have questions or concerns.
• At drop-off, allow time for your child to finish what he is doing and clean up. Your provider will thank you for helping him become more independent.
• Attend class meetings or events, and help to set-up before or clean up afterwards.
• Give your child care provider recognition. Be sure to tell her boss what a good job she is doing or how much your child is learning.

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AGE 4 TO 5

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• Support your child care provider at home and do not talk negatively about her or the program in front of your child.
• Ask your provider if there is a need for volunteers. Then help recruit other parents too.
• Slow down during pick up. Take some time to talk with your child care provider. Your child seeing the two of you bond will make him even happier.
• Even if you are in a hurry, don’t forget your manners. Say “please” and “thank-you” to your provider, and be sure your child hears you doing so.

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Still need some more ideas? Try these links for help:

Georgia Child Care Provider Month Teacher Appreciation Education World: Recognizing Teachers All Year Long

Child Care Provider Month!

Celebrate Your Child Care Provider This Month!

It’s National Teacher Appreciation Month! Hopefully, you let your child care program know how much you value them on a regular basis. But this month, we encourage you to take a little extra care of the people who take care of your family and let them know how much you appreciate them. Feel free to lavish love, cards and support on your child’s provider. Need ideas on how you can make this month special? See below!

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• Have your child draw a picture of her child care teacher, and caption it with what your child loves best about the teacher.
• Take your caregiver some fresh picked flowers from your yard.
• During drop-off or pick-up, tell her how much you appreciate her care and love of your child.
• Find out what her favorite morning drink is and surprise her with it when you drop-off your child.
• Purchase some new books for the classroom and dedicate them to your child’s teacher as an appreciation gift.
• Organize with other parents to provide a homemade meal she can take home with her after a long day at work.
• Send a note to other parents in your child’s child care program letting them know it’s National Teacher Appreciation Month, and encourage them to share their love.

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See below for other tips to show your appreciation to your child care provider all year long.

BIRTH TO 1

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• Praise your child care provider! A hand written thank you note goes a long way.
• Keep an open mind and listen carefully to your child care provider when she wants to discuss issues or concerns.
• Communicate with you child care provider as early as possible if you are going to be late for pick-up.
• Remember that your childcare providers are human. Always greet them with a smile.

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AGE 1 TO 2

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• Offer to help. Ask about volunteer opportunities or items needed in the classroom.
• Build trust and respect with your provider by discussing any concerns you have directly with them first.
• Get to know your child’s teacher better. Ask how her weekend was, learn her hobbies and about her family.
• Turn some of your child's artwork into a handwritten thank you note for your provider.

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AGE 2 TO 3

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• Establish preferred methods of communication with your childcare provider. Remember, arrivals and departures are usually too busy for long discussions.
• Share with your provider the positive stories and comments that your child tells you about her day.
• Don't be a stranger. Ask how you can volunteer during provider hours or help after hours.
• Smile and thank your child care professionals for the work they provide.

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AGE 3 TO 4

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• Build a great relationship with your child care provider. This will come in handy when you have questions or concerns.
• At drop-off, allow time for your child to finish what he is doing and clean up. Your provider will thank you for helping him become more independent.
• Attend class meetings or events, and help to set-up before or clean up afterwards.
• Give your child care provider recognition. Be sure to tell her boss what a good job she is doing or how much your child is learning.

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AGE 4 TO 5

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• Support your child care provider at home and do not talk negatively about her or the program in front of your child.
• Ask your provider if there is a need for volunteers. Then help recruit other parents too.
• Slow down during pick up. Take some time to talk with your child care provider. Your child seeing the two of you bond will make him even happier.
• Even if you are in a hurry, don’t forget your manners. Say “please” and “thank-you” to your provider, and be sure your child hears you doing so.

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Still need some more ideas? Try these links for help:

Teacher Appreciation Education World: Recognizing Teachers All Year Long

Look Again!

Help Stop Children Vehicular Heatstroke Deaths

Help keep your children safe by never, ever leaving them in a parked vehicle or letting them play in one for any amount of time. Below are some tips for parents and caregivers to follow so this tragedy doesn’t happen to you:

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• #LookAgain: Always check the back seats and under the seats before locking and leaving your vehicle to make sure that all children are safely out.
• Create a reminder system that lets you know your child is still in the back seat (e.g., tie a ribbon around your wrist while your child is in the car or place your purse/briefcase in the backseat so that you have to open the rear door).
• If your child is in child care, ensure that you know your provider’s policy regarding class trips and drop-off; how do they verify that every child has left the vehicle? Do they have more than one person checking and counting that all children have exited?
• Make sure parked cars around your home are kept locked at all times.

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For more information, please see:

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• Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning #LookAgain Awareness Campaign
• Parent Central: Prevent Child Heatstroke in Cars
• KidsAndCars.org

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BIRTH TO 1

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• Keep a large stuffed animal in your baby’s car seat. When the child is placed in the car seat, place the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It's a visual reminder that your baby is in the back seat.
• Never leave your baby in the car alone, even for a short amount of time.
• Are you new to driving around with a baby? Leave items you need like your purse, cell phone, or wallet in the backseat to remind yourself you are not alone.

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AGE 1 TO 2

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• Make a habit to look again when you get out of the car. Place a valuable item in the backseat for a reminder.
• Does your child care program provide transportation to or from school? Ask how they ensure no child is left behind in the vehicle.
• Avoid driving with distractions, especially cell phones. Be extra alert and put your phone in the backseat to remind you that your child is there too.

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AGE 2 TO 3

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• Make it a habit to talk with your child while he is in the car with you. If you keep a constant dialogue going, it will be hard to forget that he is with you.
• Ask your child care provider to call you if your child is expected at school and does not arrive.
• Has your child's car ride routine been altered? Check to ensure they arrived safely at his destination.

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AGE 3 TO 4

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• Keep all cars around your home locked, and keep car and garage remotes stored away from little hands.
• Young children's bodies absorb heat faster than adults. Always place a visual reminder in the front seat to remind you they are in the backseat.
• Never leave your child alone in the car and teach them not to play in or around vehicles.

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AGE 4 TO 5

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• Change in daily routines, lack of sleep, stress, and distractions can all be reasons for a child being left in a car. What is your system to ensure you always #LookAgain?
• If a child goes missing, check the surrounding vehicles immediately to make sure they are not stuck inside.
• Be a good role model and always wear your seat belt. Tell your child to remind you to buckle up and make sure they are buckled in. Keep a ribbon tied around your seat belt to remind you that your child is in the car with you.

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